Becoming the number one in one’s own field is a dream that everyone cherishes. With their talent and hard work, the popular players reach the goal and that not only brings along fame and recognition but also a huge amount of money. The lifestyle changes from general to lavish and to maintain that, money becomes one of the priorities. But sometimes, out of need, some of them take desparate measures, tax evasion being one of them. Here are some top players from around the globe who were accused of tax evasion.
5. Misbah-Ul-Haq
The Pakistan Test skipper may have many factors that make him one of the countries finest cricketers but there is something that is high on negatives. In the year 2014, Misbah had been detected as evading tax. The amount totaled to a whooping 3.9 million rupees and eventually Pakistan’s Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) freezed his bank account. Later the issue was resolved with the help of federal finance minister Ishaq Dar.
4. Boris Becker
The former number one and considered as one of the legendary tennis players, Boris Becker, had also been found guilty of not paying his taxes. The player used to live in Germany while he claimed to live in Monte Carlo and thus was able to escape 1.7 million Euros ( ie more than 11 crore INR) for the years 1991-1993. He admitted the charges and had to pay a fine of $500,000 ( more than 3 crore in Indian Rupee) and also a two year probation. Later, to avoid taxes, he moved on to live in Switzerland.
3. Suresh Raina
Star Indian batsman and India’s hope for winning many matches Suresh Raina won some warnings from Commissioner of national products, service tax and custom duty, Mahender Singh for not duly paying his taxes. Raina, being a member of Chennai Super Kings franchise in Indian Premier League ( IPL) , got Rs. 2.6 crore per year and had to pay 39 lakhs as tax which he skipped. The issue was later resolved.
2. Wayne Rooney
The captain of English football team as well as Manchester United has a huge fanbase around the globe but here’s one thing he did to upset his fans. Rooney, in the year 2011, had been detected convict of not paying his taxes properly. The players of english clubs has two sources of payment, for their performances and also for the merchandise that are sold. Ronney used a tax loophole and kept on evading tax until it totaled to a lumpsum £600,000, that is almost 6 crore rupees. As a punishment, the Manchester United club was asked by the taxman to pay £100 million and the matter was settled thereafter.
1. Lionel Messi
Arguably the best footballer in the world currently has also got some red circles in his tax sheet as he also evaded tax. According to BBC both Messi and his father were involved in witholding their earnings for the years 2007-2009. The companies from Uruguay and Belize involved in this case included names like Danone, Adidas, Pepsi-Cola and Procter and Gamble. The sum of evaded tax amounted to €4m.
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